WORDS AND VIDEO BY JESS ECKERT.
In an exploration of introspection, coupled with heart-grabbing tones and moody thoughts, Panchiko’s album Ginkgo encompasses reflection and thoughtfulness through the story of their songs.
Each song houses its own soul, with little tidbits to be heard like haunting vocal effects or tinges of sounds to bring together the flow of instruments.
Though Panchiko had disbanded quite early on their path to becoming, with a post from 4chan showcasing their first demo album, D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L>, their career was kickstarted.
There is such warmth that comes with feeling the sounds of their demos that still firmly hold onto the history of 2000, as it finds its way back into the lives of those seeking and willing.
In an age where people are in search of familiarity and nostalgic feelings from a time that feels far away, this demo made its way into the world gently, almost by accident, as if one discovered a relic. Panchiko’s return is one to keep on your radar, especially with this new album coming out.
I discovered the band about two years ago while surfing through Spotify looking for something new and whole, when I came across the D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L> album.
Their songs “Laputa” and “D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L>” immediately caught my attention, especially “Laputa” which references one of my favorite filmmakers films, Castle in the Sky by Hayao Miyazaki.
Though I didn’t immediately get into the entirety of Panchiko’s discography when I discovered it, their release of “Ginkgo” invaded my radar at mach speed, which led me to become the enthusiast I am now.
Ginkgo Review
Panchiko has released four songs since the end of December of 2024 ahead of the album- the first being the song “Ginkgo”, then “Shandy in the Graveyard” with Billy Woods, “Honeycomb”, and lastly “Mac’s Omelette”.
On my first listen of “Ginkgo”, I was immediately hooked, easily making it my most repeated song over the last three months.
There’s such a light, cloud-like feeling that the instruments create altogether: between the touches of piano in the beginning, the drums and soft cymbals resonating, everything comes together into a big embrace that feels overtaking.
I created a little video for the first half of the song with the intention of encapsulating the feeling and perspective the song invoked within me, putting it into something perceivable.
Shortly after posting it, I watched the actual music video by Panchiko and found out the effects and cuts I used are similar to the music video created for this song!
Check out my video here!
One of their old song demos off of Ferric Oxide, “Formula,” is reinvented on this album, becoming a more experimental and electronic presentation of the original.
I look forward to hearing what long-time Panchiko listeners think of this song since it was created into something that is completely different from the demo.
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite; each song brings a unique, distinct feeling and energy that can’t be compared to one another.
When listened to in full, it creates a context where one can be subjected to reflection, diving into the feelings that arise within or around them.
What does this mean? Why did I think of this moment when I heard this song? These are the kinds of questions I found myself asking as I trekked through the whole album (4 times).
The first song, “Florida,” jumps into a refreshing electric start, dare I say icy feel, with the tones and varying sound flourishments colliding with one another to create a beautiful symphony.
Their last song, ”Innocent” ends the album with warmer guitar strums, combining similar sound effects from “Florida”, which brings the whole album back full circle.
The flow of the album is poetic and concluding, but leaves a lot of space for ponderance of one’s character and consideration for the shifting reality we all have come to face in one way or another.
Perception is unique and curated to the individual, and Ginkgo pushes open the doors for the listener to explore themselves in a new, or familiar light.
Genuinely I could go on and on about each song in full with “Lifestyle Trainers” moody tones reminiscent of the 2000s and raw lyrics, or “Honeycomb” having sweet sounding and entrancing lyrics, taking a journey into the darker reality relationships can evolve into, etcetera, etcetera… But it’s best to leave those interpretations up to you, the eager listener.
These are some still shots from the “Honeycomb” music video.
I love how the creators used a parallel between the moon and the sun to showcase a back and forth relationship, their physical connection being through fantastical dreams or the rare happenstance of an eclipse.
A moment where the two can rejoice in a world where they exist as opposing sides.
The animation style and choice of flow between frames aligns perfectly with the ethereal tones of the song, there is always something new to peep when rewatching.
Individually, every song on this album brings a specific kind of moodiness that’s reminiscent of their early demos from when the band was just 16-17.
This album whets the appetite for a cuisine that can only be accomplished through the trials and successes Panchiko experienced with disbanding in 2001 and resurging after picking up traction.
If I had to guess, I could see “Chapel of Salt”, “Lifestyle Trainers”, or “Vinegar” being top songs for listeners off the album, not including the songs that have been released prior to the whole album.
A couple questions I have for Panchiko about this album is why does the production of “Vinegar” sound different from the rest of the album? Was “Formula” intended to be as experimental as it turned out to be, or was it something that came around when messing with that demo?
I’m stoked to finally be able to hear other people’s thoughts on the album, I need more people to get geeked with.
If you aren’t familiar with Panchiko, or are interested in new music with dreamy tones with experimental embellishments, you should consider making this album a listening priority.
For sake of recommendation, hesitantly, my current favorite song off this album would be “Lifestyle Trainers” or “Honeycomb”, as I have truly cultivated a unique connection with each song.
I’m excited to be served this long awaited meal, even more so to be able to share perspectives with others!
Listen to Gingko on Spotify or wherever you get your music!! See if Panchiko is coming to your city here.
WORDS AND VIDEO BY JESS ECKERT.